Overview

James Morris is a partner in the Construction & Engineering and International Arbitration practices of the London office. His practice includes a wide range of dispute resolution, advising employers, contractors, consultants and insurers in relation to all forms of construction related disputes and EU public procurement. He regularly advises on complicated technical disputes, including claims concerning defective design and workmanship, programming, delay, disruption and quantum, which arise out of the major forms of construction and engineering contracts. He is an experienced litigator who has represented clients in complex multi-party litigation in the High Court (Technology and Construction Court), mediations, adjudications and arbitrations (both domestic and international).

James has advised on disputes regarding a wide variety of projects, including jetties, defence facilities, waste management facilities, mines, railways, utilities, office facilities and hospitals. He has represented clients in a number of different jurisdictions in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

James also has experience of dealing with complex insurance issues and regularly advises insurers on professional indemnity cases.

In 2014 James was seconded to the Firm’s Hong Kong office where he advised clients on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters.

James is a member of TeCSA and SCL and sits on the TeCSA_10s committee. He has also spoken at conferences and delivered training on e-disclosure to TeCSA members.

Areas of Focus

Experience

Acting for a quarry contractor in an arbitration in relation to its claims exceeding HK$100 million against the HKSAR Government.

Advising a Hong Kong company regarding a development in Mainland China and the prospects of recovering its losses arising out alleged professional negligence of a firm of consulting engineers.

Advising a mining company on a dispute with its engineering consultant arising out of the construction of a gold mine in West Africa.

Advising a subcontractor regarding its claims in respect of an air cargo centre at Hong Kong Airport.

Advising a theme park owner on the procurement of a new hotel and assisting with the negotiation of the relevant terms with the Developer/Contractor and Hotel Operator.

Domestic

Representing a large, international contractor and its insurers in relation to allegedly defective design of the mechanical and electrical systems of a large hospital in relation to a wider PFI project.

Representing the design and build contractor and its professional indemnity insurers on disputes relating to the design of a number of waste to energy facilities – part of the Manchester Waste PFI project.

Defending different firms of Quantity Surveyors in adjudication and contemplated litigation or arbitration proceedings.

Acting for a residential developer on disputes arising from a number of large housing projects throughout London, including many adjudications.

Advising a residential developer on the successful recover of sums due under a performance bond, without recourse to litigation.

Advising an Irish subcontractor and its insurer on claims against it regarding alleged defective works at leisure facilities in Ireland.

Advising a major framework contractor in relation to a multi million pound dispute with a water utility company covering a high volume of work orders undertaken over a 5 year period. Dealing with numerous adjudications on various different issues that arose during the framework.

Advising a subcontractor in numerous sets of complex multi-party proceedings concerning defects at a high end residential development in Central London.

Advising a major UK contractor on its claim against a subcontractor and consultant engineer regarding settlement of a leisure centre in the North West of England.

Defending a consultant engineer in TCC proceedings regarding settlement of a car park and part 20 proceedings against a subcontractor.

Advising a contractor on its defence to an adjudication concerning alleged defects in the construction of a Household Waste Recycling Centre and a Materials Recycling Facility.

Advising an aggregates contractor on a dispute concerning an explosion of a piece of plant and the merits of bringing a claim against the subcontractor.

Representing an investor in TCC proceedings against a major UK contractor relating to a multi-million pound claim concerning defects in a major office development.

Education

Admissions

England and Wales

Court

Solicitor Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience (Civil)

Activities

Member of TeCSA

Member of SCL

Member of the TeCSA_10s Committee

Listed as a 'Next Generation Partner (in the separate categories of Construction and Professional Negligence), the 'highly regarded' James Morris is also listed as a 'key lawyer' in four areas: International Arbitration, Construction, Professional Negligence and Product Liability. 'Sally Davies and James Morris are extremely knowledgeable, engaging and give very practical advice'. (Legal 500 2020).

Listed as a Next Generation Lawyer (Construction and Professional Negligence) senior associate James Morris is "very strong and exceedingly organised." (Construction) (Legal 500 2018).

Listed as a name to note and ranked as a “Next Generation Lawyer” in two categories: Construction and Professional Negligence (Legal 500 2017).

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